TIRANA, January 19 /ATA/ Rear Admiral Arsen Mullaj took over the post of Commander of the Navy, following the decree of President Bajram Begaj.
Mullaj replaces in the post Rear Admiral Adnand Agastra, who has completed his mandate at the head of the Navy.
Attending the handover ceremony was Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu, who praised the change of command in context of professional continuity and strengthening of leadership in the Armed Forces.
Vengu expressed gratitude for the contribution and leadership shown by Rear Admiral Agastra during a long career in service to the country.
In his speech, Vengu emphasized the commitment of the Albanian government to the recovery and upgrade of the Navy, appreciating the maritime dimension as a national strategic priority.
“In over 30 years of transition, the Navy has gradually shrunk and has relied mainly on the professionalism of its personnel, people in uniform, while there were lacking the means, equipment, ships and support systems. I really hope that, in the coming months and years, together with the new commander and the entire Naval Force staff, we will enable a gradual recovery”, Vengu said.
According to him, this is a priority of the Albanian government, articulated several times by the Prime Minister, and at its foundation lies the restore of the country to its maritime and Adriatic-Ionian horizon.
“This cannot happen without means, without ships, without warships and without logistical ships. Therefore, the Albanian government has committed not only the necessary financing, but also the appropriate legal framework for the re-establishment of Pashaliman as a strategic shipyard, not only for the benefit of our forces, but also of the allied forces”, Vengu emphasized.
In conclusion, Vengu wished success to the new commander, the personnel of the Naval Force and their families, emphasizing the goal of building a modern Naval Force, fully integrated into the North Atlantic Alliance and ready to protect national interests and maritime security. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./
